Communicating a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder - a qualitative study of parents' experiences

Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2013 Jul;18(3):370-82. doi: 10.1177/1359104512455813. Epub 2012 Aug 17.

Abstract

Not enough is known about parents' experiences of receiving the news that their child warrants a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sharing this information with parents is an important and difficult part of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) practice. Qualitative methodology was used to explore the experiences of the 'feedback session' with nine sets of parents in a community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in North East England. Parents gave vivid accounts of their experiences and described issues relating to the structure, style and content of the session. The experiences of CAMHS users should inform the development of good practice in this important area.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; communication; diagnosis; experiences; parents.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology
  • Community Mental Health Services
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology
  • Professional-Family Relations*
  • Qualitative Research